Explore the magnificent ruins of Hadrian’s Villa
Hadrian’s Villa is without question one of the most spectacular Roman ruins in the world: far more than just a house, the Villa is in reality a sprawling estate featuring a palace, theatres, expansive gardens, pools and fountains. When the emperor Hadrian wanted to escape from the heat and the political turmoil of Rome, he would retreat to his private villa in the countryside. But Hadrian’s villa wasn't merely a pleasurable summer retreat: preferring the calm of Tivoli to the noise and bustle of Rome, Hadrian ruled the Roman Empire from the villa in the later years of his reign.
The enormous complex of the villa was Hadrian’s fantasy project - a blend of architectural materials and styles inspired by his travels through the empire. On your private tour of Hadrian’s Villa you’ll explore buildings and gardens spread over an area twice the size of Pompeii. Along the way you'll learn about the life, career and artistic tastes of the emperor.
A day trip from Rome to Tivoli is the perfect opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of Roman history, while exploring the atmospheric ruins of Hadrian’s Villa. As you walk through the vast arcades and visit the Throne Room, your personal guide will explain Hadrian’s legacy as an emperor, from his military career to his art collection. More than five hundred pieces of statuary have been unearthed here over the centuries, and the art and architecture of the villa have inspired countless writers and artists. Exploring evocative sites such as the Private Library and the Maritime Theatre on your Tivoli day trip, you’ll be captivated by the unique atmosphere of the villa and its gardens. The famous Canopy is another highlight; this lake surrounded by arcades and statues is perhaps one of the most beautiful spots in all of Italy.
Your private guide will also discuss the personal life of Hadrian, including his famous doomed love affair with the young Antinous. Visiting Hadrian’s Villa on a private tour allows you to discover the human side of the emperor, creating a more complete picture of Hadrian. The explanations of your guide will also give you a deeper understanding of the historical events at the time, as they explain how Rome was able to dominate the world.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Villa d’Este
A very different kind of villa is the next stop on your Tivoli private tour. A walk through the historic town centre takes us to Villa d’Este, a 16th century villa renowned for its extraordinary beauty. Villa d’Este was the creation of Cardinal Ippolito d’Este (son of the Duke of Ferrara and the infamous Lucrezia Borgia), who commissioned Pirro Ligorio, an architect and classical scholar, to design a new villa and gardens exceeding even the grandeur of Hadrian’s Villa.
A walk through the gardens of Villa d’Este gives us some idea of what Hadrian’s Villa must have been like at the height of its splendour. These extravagant gardens contain 500 fountains, creating a sense of luxury, wealth, and limitless imagination. On your walk through the shady gardens, your personal guide will explain how the cardinal’s vision became a reality. Visiting Villa d’Este will also give you a new perspective on Hadrian’s Villa, as you discover how Cardinal d’Este stole many statues and monuments from the archaeological site in order to decorate his own gardens.
On your Tivoli Day Trip from Rome you’ll also have the chance to explore the opulent rooms of Villa D’Este, which are decorated with magnificent frescoes. As you stroll through these spectacular rooms and admire the views from the Cardinal’s bedroom window, your guide will tell you about the public and private life of d’Este, a patron of the arts and lover of luxury who aspired to become pope.
Following in the footsteps of the emperor Hadrian and Cardinal d'Este, this day trip from Rome is the ideal way to escape the bustle of the city, enjoying the beauty and tranquillity of these beautiful villas and their gardens.